The Northwest Community Bail Fund (NCBF) posts bail for indigent individuals who have been charged with crimes and who are held on inaccessible bail amounts, resulting in damaged work and social connections, and an increased pressure to plead guilty.
People incarcerated in jail are one of the most vulnerable populations, and their protection warrants special emergency action. Jails and prisons are known to quickly spread contagious diseases. Incarcerated people have an inherently limited ability to fight the spread of infectious disease since they are confined in close quarters and unable to avoid contact with people who may have been exposed. Responses such as lock downs, placing people in solitary confinement and limiting access to visits from loved ones are punitive and ineffective responses to outbreaks. Importantly, we know that isolation further endangers people and limiting visitation also has adverse effects.
We are advocating for continued decarceration in Seattle and King County, but until they agree, we are still paying bail for people being held prisoner for lack of money. This allows people to get out of jail during their trial period and defend themselves from a position of freedom.
We are a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN 83-1096468. We currently operate in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties in Washington State. Donations to NCBF are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
